Kel Hannum

About Kel Hannum

As a planner and program manager, my job description always leaves out a key idea. I must never forget everything I do affects the lives of organizations, their teams, and everybody they serve — for years to come.Because facilities always have long memories, I must have that same orientation, too. For me meeting specs, bringing projects in on time, on budget, and adhering to best practices are minimum standards. To consistently rise above those, I always start by listening, really listening, to all my customers. The whole time, I make no judgements, no assumptions. Only when I and those I serve share an accurate description of the enduring, optimum end state, are we ready to start work.It’s then I know which questions to ask, of whom to ask them, and about what the answers should be. I’m not satisfied until my plans meet tomorrow’s needs as well as present requirements. That approach served me well when my team had to meet very tough quarantine standards fast as COVID impacted housing for 1,800 employees. Earlier, my methods were really tested when I guided the recovery of a major complex that was completely wiped out by a hurricane—and did it all successfully under the watchful eyes of Congress.I drive myself to go beyond facilities engineering. Sometimes the answers to problems aren’t in how buildings are designed, constructed, or repaired. Solutions can lie in helping customers use structures better or enrich their team members’ worklives.Yes, I take care of buildings and everything that supports them. But my greatest rewards come from taking care of people.Perhaps the best way to do that is to hear about your facilities’ leadership needs in your own words. The first and only step to make that happen is easy. Email me any hour of any day or night at k••••••••@gmail.com. I promise I’ll respond as soon as I can.

Experience

1. Federal Program Manager - Civil Engineering

   Michael Baker International

   May 2023 — Present · Virginia Beach, VA, US

   I love having a job that lets me bring all my skills and experience to bear! Some days I’m reviewing planning documents or discussing a challenging problem with my colleagues. Other days I’m mentoring members of my team, and helping them understand the nuances of Federal programs. I’m not kidding when I say I walk into the office every morning excited to be here!Working in the Federal market brings a specific set of challenges. On top of the technical aspects of planning and engineering, you must understand how Federal agencies work. You have to understand the various “colors of money” that comprise their budgets. You have to know how to read and interpret their regulations. Above all, you need to understand the culture of the agency, and sometimes the specific office, to provide the right service to the client. In all my projects, I am grateful to work with a great team of professionals to deliver quality results!

Education

• Clarkson University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Clarkson University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Civil and Environmental Engineering

  1995 — 1999

• Clarkson University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Civil Engineering

• University of Delaware

  Master of Science (MS), Civil Engineering

  2008 — 2010

• Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF

  Six Sigma

• Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal

  Military Technical Training, Explosive Ordinance/Bomb Disposal

  2004 — 2005

Skills

• Operational Planning
• Security Clearance
• Program Management
• Air Force
• Dod
• National Security
• Facilities Management
• Defense
• Command
• Military Operations
• Organizational Leadership
• Military Training
• Military Experience
• Civil Engineering
• Emergency Management
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Continuing Education
• Military Logistics
• Military